6 Fantastic Caregiving Tips for Millennials

By Debbie Waddell, 9:00 am on March 5, 2019

Millennials are one of the fastest-growing demographics among caregivers. While you might have envisioned yourself as being older before you took on this role, you also have youth on your side to help you sustain the energy you need to get things done. Now that you’re fully ready for your responsibilities, you can use these six tips to manage them all in stride.

1. Simplify Tasks with Smart Devices

You’ve got tons of things on your to-do list, and many of them can be knocked out with a simple click. Check out the latest smart devices, ranging from programmable slow cookers to refrigerators that track their contents and create grocery lists. Then simply set up the devices and enjoy watching as they do the bulk of the work for you.

2. Use Technology to Stay Connected

As the primary caregiver, you serve as the main point of contact for many of the other people who help your loved one. Find a smartphone app you can use to share information among the people you add to the group. Being able to update a professional caregiver about an upcoming appointment or share information with a family member about a new health diagnosis in one place makes communication easier.

An experienced professional caregiver can also help you develop a system for keeping track of all your loved one’s health and medical information. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide in-home care, Roseville, CA, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.

3. Be Cautious with Social Media

Technology is an asset for caregivers, but it can also bring you down. By now, you’ve likely learned that everything you see on social media isn’t always true, but that doesn’t help the sting you might feel when you see other people your age out and having fun. While it’s great to use social media to chat with your friends during a busy day, stay aware of how viewing other people’s feeds makes you feel. If you catch yourself feeling depressed or resentful, reach out to someone you trust for a talk.

4. Explore Ways to Manage Your Finances

As a millennial, you’re likely still in the early years of building your financial standing. However, caregiving can take a toll on finances, especially if you have to scale back your work schedule. Take some time to explore ways to offset the costs of caregiving. For instance, your loved one’s healthcare plan may cover the cost of a professional caregiver who can take over while you’re at work. You may also be eligible for benefits such as paid leave through your employer.

5. Prioritize Your Health

Right now, you’re young and healthy, which makes it easy to just keep pushing on through. However, any injuries you sustain now could affect you once you begin to age. Don’t try to be the hero and risk hurting your back trying to lift your loved one alone. Instead, have another caregiver help you. You should also have at least one other person you can rely on to stay with your loved one while you go to medical and dental checkups. Taking care of yourself now means you can be there for your loved one for as long as necessary.

Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Rosevillefamilies who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.

6. Take Time to Recharge

Between working, socializing, and even raising kids, you have so much on your plate that you barely have time to catch your breath. However, self-care is an essential part of being a caregiver, and spending some time alone can help you refresh yourself for the next day’s duties. Make sure to schedule respite time to use however you need. Even just having an hour to read a novel can help you beat feelings of depression.

Being a caregiver for a loved one can be extremely rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality senior care, Roseville Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 916.226.3737 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.